The Government has been called to accept Sinn Féin's motion which outlines and emergency and long-term response to the housing crisis affecting Ireland.

Housing Spokesperson Dessie Ellis is urging the government to acknowledge that the only way to fully address the crisis is to immediately commence a major social house building programme.

Deputy Elllis said: "This government's quick fix, flash the cash strategy will not work this time. The temporary provision of 260 extra beds last Christmas in response to the death of Jonathan Corrie on Molesworth Street, Dublin was a wasted opportunity to take decisive action. Once the headlines had passed and the government thought its obligation fulfilled, the number of people sleeping rough on the streets doubled.

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"The many charitable organisations, community groups, and housing agencies are to be commended for the work they are doing to assist people who are homeless or living in housing distress throughout the State, but they must not be left to shoulder the burden any longer. The government must act now to provide emergency accommodation in the short term and a major social house building programme in the long term."

(CD/LM)